Green Buildings Promote Healthy Workers

A growing body of research is suggesting that working in a sustainable building is good for people’s health and well-being, according to an article on the Eco-Business website.

More employers are also becoming aware of the benefits of employee health for their bottom line and are designing green features and programs into the work environment that can boost job satisfaction and productivity.

Green cleaning is an easy way janitors can help contribute to healthier buildings. Surveys show that facility executives in commercial offices want their cleaning providers to use environmentally friendly cleaning products. According to a Contracting Profits survey, 86 percent of facility executives expect the cleaning contractors they hire to practice green cleaning whenever possible.

Businesses have found there is significant risk mitigation and reduction in absenteeism when employees are more engaged and motivated by a healthy work environment, the article said.

Recent studies have shown that green buildings provide environments that are beneficial for human health, with features such as natural lighting and better air quality.

A 2017 study from Harvard University, Syracuse University and SUNY Upstate Medical University on the impact of green buildings on cognitive function found that participants in green office environments were more productive than those in conventional buildings.

Those working in well ventilated environments were also the ones with the highest levels of cognitive function, the studies found.

Green work spaces also promote collaboration, so workplaces are being designed with open spaces that promote movement, collaboration and networking. Cleaning providers should note that shared spaces put office workers in closer proximity to each other, increasing the potential for cross-contamination. More frequent cleaning and disinfecting will be needed to keep occupants healthy.